Preference for Artificial Refugia over Natural Refugia in an Endangered Fish

The availability of appropriate refugia may ameliorate some impacts of habitat degradation and can aid in the conservation of target species. In addition to natural refugia, the provision of artificial refugia may be viable, particularly in degraded habitats. We examined the conservation potential of natural and artificial refugia for the endangered Eastern Cape redfin, Pseudobarbus afer. We show that deeper water is preferred so is likely to constitute a natural refuge. However, this preference is overridden by the provision of artificial refugia (a plastic pipe). We highlight that the most important habitat factor in the conservation of P. afer is availability of suitable natural refugia through avoidance of habitat destruction. However, when redfin habitat is already compromised, appropriate artificial refugia may supplement the protection provided by natural refugia and may provide benefits to the whole aquatic community.

Download Full-text

An Assessment on Bird’s Diversity in Bagmati River Corridor

The Initiation ◽

10.3126/init.v2i1.2520 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 34-40

Author(s):

Saroj Thapa ◽

Shambhu Paudel ◽

Dipak BK

Keyword(s):

Public Perception ◽

Habitat Degradation ◽

Bird Species ◽

Habitat Destruction ◽

Conservation Area ◽

Point Count ◽

The Public ◽

One Year ◽

Bagmati River ◽

River Corridor

Bagmati River is considered as a potential conservation area in terms of the bio-diversity conservation due to its unique and diversified habitat distribution. Due to various causes, the river is being polluted and hence habitat degradation rate is increasing. As a consequence, the direct effect is seen on birds inhabiting there. Aiming the assessment of bird's diversity, one year survey was conducted in Bagmati River from Tilganga Bridge to chobhar Gorge Bridge (here after termed as Bagmati river corridor) by applying the point count method .In the total enumeration, 100 of birds species were recorded among which 7 are listed in CITES appendix. The bird species that are regarded as globally threatened are not recorded in the study area. In this report, some potential patches in the study area, are described as hot spots, considering the higher probability of recording maximum number of birds species. The public voice is also collected to find out the public perception on the present status of birds of Bagmati river corridor using the questionaire method. Some causes of habitat destruction and some potential conservation measures are also mentioned. Key Words: Bagmati river corridor, Birds, Conservation, Hotspots, Diversity, Habitat DOI: 10.3126/init.v2i1.2520 The Initiation Vol.2(1) 2008 pp34-40

Download Full-text

Spatial conservation prioritization considering socioeconomic costs and degradation conditions in the Southwest China Biodiversity Hotspot

Environmental Conservation ◽

10.1017/s0376892921000138 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Wei Fu ◽

Qi Ding ◽

Zhe Sun ◽

Tao Xu

Keyword(s):

Southwest China ◽

Habitat Degradation ◽

Ecological Integrity ◽

Biodiversity Loss ◽

Biodiversity Hotspot ◽

Karst Area ◽

Network Coverage ◽

Target Species ◽

Key Species ◽

Spatial Conservation Prioritization

Summary There have been calls for the expansion of protected areas (PAs) to tackle the ongoing biodiversity loss, yet it is unclear where future PAs might help to protect biodiversity in degraded landscapes under the conservation planning principles of complementarity, connectivity and cost-effectiveness. Our conservation goal is to increase the PA network coverage to up to 30% of the landscape of the Zhangjiang River Basin for target species in the karst area of southwest China, a global biodiversity hotspot. Zonation 4GUI was used to evaluate the adequacy of current PAs and to strategically expand PAs while maximizing the coverage of target species and considering ecological integrity and socioeconomic activities. The results show that significant habitat degradation has occurred across 77.9% of the basin. The current PAs cover 6.3% of the site and represent 8.7% of the total distribution of key species. With regards to the threshold of protection of 30% of the area, protecting an additional 27.2% of the site under an ecological integrity prioritization scenario and a scenario of the socioeconomic costs involved in iteration would cover 93.5% and 80.4% of the ranges of the key species, respectively. Our results can be used to inform the upcoming actions associated with karst area conservation-related policies.

Download Full-text

Microhabitat selection and communal nesting in the insular Psychedelic Rock Gecko, Cnemaspis psychedelica, in Southern Vietnam with updated information on trade

Nature Conservation ◽

10.3897/natureconservation.31.28145 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 ◽

pp. 1-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hai Ngoc Ngo ◽

Truong Quang Nguyen ◽

Tan Van Nguyen ◽

Mona van Schingen ◽

Thomas Ziegler

Keyword(s):

Habitat Degradation ◽

Anthropogenic Impacts ◽

Habitat Destruction ◽

Colour Pattern ◽

Microhabitat Selection ◽

Southern Vietnam ◽

Communal Nesting ◽

Age Related ◽

First Time ◽

Selection Of

The Psychedelic Rock Gecko,Cnemaspispsychedelica, was described in 2010 and certainly belongs to the most spectacular gecko discoveries worldwide. The species is endemic to two small offshore islands in Rach Gia Bay. Its striking colour pattern makes the species highly attractive for the international pet market. The existentCnemaspispopulation is negatively affected by habitat degradation and predation by introduced macaques. We herein provide the first characterisation of microhabitat selection of this species, including seasonal variation on Hon Khoai and Hon Tuong islands, Ca Mau Province, Vietnam. We found that characteristics of the selected microhabitat, such as substrate type, temperature and canopy cover slightly differed between the wet and dry seasons. We also demonstrated age-related differences in the selection of perch heights. Communal nesting was, for the first time, reported forC.psychedelica, as well as natural predation by a snake species (Lycodoncapucinus). In addition, we documented ongoing habitat destruction on Hon Khoai Island and recorded illegal trade of live Psychedelic Rock Geckos for the first time on local pet markets in both northern and southern Vietnam. Our findings highlight the need for improved conservation measures in order to reduce anthropogenic impacts on wild populations ofC.psychedelica.

Download Full-text

Forest product harvesting in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: Impacts on habitat structure

South African Journal of Science ◽

10.17159/sajs.2020/7508 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 116 (9/10) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jessica Leaver ◽

Michael Cherry

Keyword(s):

Habitat Structure ◽

Forest Cover ◽

Habitat Degradation ◽

Rural Livelihoods ◽

Forest Products ◽

Timber Harvesting ◽

Habitat Modification ◽

Eastern Cape ◽

Forest Bird ◽

Management Policies

The Eastern Cape Province harbours 46% of South Africa’s remaining indigenous forest cover, and is one of the country’s poorest and least developed provinces. Forest resources thus represent a vital component of rural livelihoods in this region. Consequently, forest management policies aim to balance the needs of resource users with the ecological integrity of forest ecosystems. In a recent study, forest bird ranges were shown to have declined in the Eastern Cape over the past 20 years, despite increases in forest cover over the same time period, indicating that habitat degradation may be driving forest bird losses. Given that harvesting of forest products represents the primary human disturbance in forests in the Eastern Cape today, insight is needed regarding the link between resource use and habitat modification. We report on effects of harvesting of three key forest products – poles, timber and medicinal bark – on habitat structure at the ground, understorey and canopy layers in indigenous forests in the province. Harvest activities had considerable impacts on habitat structure, depending on the nature and extent of harvesting. Bark and timber harvesting resulted in canopy gaps, whereas pole harvesting reduced tree density, resulting in understorey gaps. Overall, harvest activities increased the frequency of canopy disturbance, and density of understorey layer foliage. Unsustainable bark harvesting practices increased the mortality rate of canopy trees, thereby increasing dead wood availability. By providing insight into human-mediated habitat modification in forests of the Eastern Cape, this study contributes to the development of ecologically informed sustainable resource management policies.

Download Full-text

Cryopreservation of testicular tissue from Murray River Rainbowfish, Melanotaenia fluviatilis

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-76378-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nicola Rivers ◽

Jonathan Daly ◽

Robert Jones ◽

Peter Temple-Smith

Keyword(s):

Fish Species ◽

Germ Line ◽

Large Cell ◽

Testicular Tissue ◽

Specific Protein ◽

Habitat Destruction ◽

Endangered Fish ◽

Successful Isolation ◽

Murray River ◽

Australian Fish

Abstract Globally, fish populations are in decline from overfishing, habitat destruction and poor water quality. Recent mass fish deaths in Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin highlight the need for improved conservation methods for endangered fish species. Cryopreservation of testicular tissue allows storage of early sperm precursor cells for use in generating new individuals via surrogacy. We describe successful isolation and cryopreservation of spermatogonia in an Australian rainbowfish. Testis histology showed rainbowfish spermatogonia are large (> 10 μm) and stain positive for Vasa, an early germ line-specific protein. Using size-based flow cytometry, testis cell suspensions were sorted through “A” (> 9 μm) and “B” gates (2–5 μm); the A gate produced significantly more Vasa-positive cells (45.0% ± 15.2%) than the “B” gate (0.0% ± 0.0%) and an unsorted control (22.9% ± 9.5%, p < 0.0001). The most successful cryoprotectant for “large cell” (> 9 μm) viability (72.6% ± 10.5%) comprised 1.3 M DMSO, 0.1 M trehalose and 1.5% BSA; cell viability was similar to fresh controls (78.8% ± 10.5%) and significantly better than other cryoprotectants (p < 0.0006). We have developed a protocol to cryopreserve rainbowfish testicular tissue and recover an enriched population of viable spermatogonia. This is the first step in developing a biobank of reproductive tissues for this family, and other Australian fish species, in the Australian Frozen Zoo.

Download Full-text

The Contribution of Different Restored Habitats to Fish Diversity and Population Development in a Highly Modified River: A Case Study from the River Günz

Water ◽

10.3390/w10091202 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1202 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Joachim Pander ◽

Juergen Geist

Keyword(s):

Habitat Restoration ◽

Fish Diversity ◽

Population Development ◽

Target Species ◽

Endangered Fish ◽

Barbus Barbus ◽

High Conservation ◽

Chondrostoma Nasus ◽

River Dynamic ◽

Riverine Fish

Despite of structural deficits, highly modified water bodies (HMWB) contain remnant populations of endangered fish that have high conservation value. Restoration in HMWBs underlies different principles when compared to natural rivers because of impaired river dynamic processes. The objective herein was to assess the contribution of restored habitats of the River Günz, Germany to fish diversity and restoration success of target species. All habitat restoration types, including bank habitats, fast flowing habitats with gravel, structured shallow water zones, nature like fish passes, and a former river course below a spillway were assessed. None of them comprised the full set of 27 fish species or size classes, indicating that the diversity and interlinkage of the restored habitats is most crucial to sustainable fish populations and high biodiversity. When considering the rheophilic target species Chondrostoma nasus and Barbus barbus, only fish passes and the former river course with their high flow current contributed much to their population development, particularly to young specimens <20 cm. The results of this study indicate that measures inside the main channel are unlikely to mitigate deficiencies in HMWBs concerning specialized riverine fish. Instead, interlinkage of a diversity of restoration measures and investment of resources for restoration in HMWBs into nature-like fish passes or former river courses below spillways with dynamically managed discharges seem most useful.

Download Full-text

Trends in commercial handline catches of Redfishes along the Southern Cape Coast, Republic of South Africa

Koedoe ◽

10.4102/koedoe.v25i1.600 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

R. J. M Crawford ◽

H. B Crous

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Environmental Change ◽

National Park ◽

Fishing Pressure ◽

Eastern Cape ◽

Limited Data ◽

Target Species ◽

Cape Coast ◽

Valuable Source ◽

Cape Peninsula

During the period 1898-1906 red romans Chrysoblephus laticeps dominated redfish landings at Strand and Hermanus, Republic of South Africa, ports subject to cool upwelling conditions. Red stumpnoses C. gibbiceps were the main species along the eastern Cape Peninsula and seventy-fours Polysteganus undulosus at most harbours east of Cape Agulhas. By the late 1970's romans were dominant between Kalk Bay and Arniston and also important contributors else-where, but seventy-fours were only recorded in any significant quantities from Port Alfred. Interpretation of these trends is complicated by a lumping of catches, but the possibility of an environmental change favouring romans (cooler water) at the expense of seventy-fours (warmer water) cannot be discounted. Other marine forms having a biology associated with cooler waters have also increased along the southern Cape coast in recent years. Redfish resources at Gans Bay and Struts Bay are not currently overexploited, but provide a valuable source of remuneration for local fishermen when preferred target species are absent. Limited data collected in the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park indicate that dageraad C. cristiceps populations could deteriorate rapidly if subjected to high fishing pressure. The contribution of dageraads to combined redfish landings is currently highest in areas of low exploitation.

Download Full-text

Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata population decline at a nickel-mining site: a critical need for adapted conservation strategies

Bird Conservation International ◽

10.1017/s0959270921000113 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

ANGÉLIQUE PAGENAUD ◽

KAREN BOURGEOIS ◽

SYLVAIN DROMZÉE ◽

MARTIN THIBAULT ◽

GUILLAUME CHAGNEAU ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Caledonia ◽

Habitat Degradation ◽

Population Decline ◽

Bare Soil ◽

Habitat Destruction ◽

Conservation Strategy ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Mining Activities ◽

Vocal Activity ◽

The Impact

Summary New Caledonia hosts a large part of the world’s breeding population of the Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata. This rare, cryptic and little-studied seabird nests locally in the mountains up to 1,200 m in altitude, particularly in ultramafic (i.e. nickel-rich) areas where mining activity is a major threat. The considerable development of mining activities in New Caledonia over the past decade raises concerns about its potential impacts on breeding populations through both direct habitat destruction and side effects such as pollution or repeated disturbances. This context calls for a dedicated assessment of the persistence of local populations to guide the design of an adapted conservation strategy and potential restoration programmes. We investigated the impact of mining activities on a Tahiti Petrel population when surveyed pre-mining (2004–2007) and following a period of full mining (2017–2018). The vocal activity was assessed at a total of 114 night-call count stations spread over the Koniambo massif. Areas with ground-originated vocal activity were then searched during daytime for nesting evidence. Finally, georeferenced aerial photos were used to estimate habitat degradation as the percentage of bare soil cover (PBSC) within a 400-m radius around each call count station. Our study revealed a dramatic decline in the Tahiti Petrel vocal activity and a desertion of breeding habitats during the full-mining period compared to the pre-mining period. In light of these results, we recommend designing safe breeding areas and combining restoration methods including social attraction, predation control and artificial burrows at mining sites.

Download Full-text

The sufficiency of existed protected areas in conserving the habitat of proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus)

Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity ◽

10.13057/biodiv/d200101 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

WARDATUTTHOYYIBAH WARDATUTTHOYYIBAH ◽

SATYAWAN PUDYATMOKO ◽

SENA ADI SUBRATA ◽

MUHAMMAD ALI IMRON

Keyword(s):

Land Use ◽

Protected Areas ◽

Habitat Degradation ◽

Species Distribution Modelling ◽

Habitat Destruction ◽

Distribution Data ◽

Proboscis Monkey ◽

Conservation Areas ◽

Nasalis Larvatus ◽

Indonesian Government

Wardatutthoyyibah, Pudyatmoko S, Subrata SA, Imron MA. 2019. The sufficiency of existed protected areas in conserving the habitat of proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus). Biodiversitas 20: 1-10. Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is an endemic species on the island of Borneo. Their population size progressively decreased because they are very sensitive to any habitat destruction and human activity. The population of proboscis monkey in 2008 was estimated at only approximately 25,000 in total, of which only 5,000 within the conservation areas. However so, the continuation of habitat degradation is hardly prevented in non-protected areas. To solve the problem, the Indonesian government commits to increase the population of the proboscis monkey, particularly outside the protected areas. To support this goal, the distribution data of N. larvatus for conservation planning has become necessary. This study aims to build predictive models of the N. larvatus in Kalimantan and to measure how big the overlap between the habitat and the land use activity (protected areas, concession areas, plantation, and agriculture areas). The study used the Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) approach and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) software. We collected recent data from N. larvatus and a number of environmental variables. The result shows that only 5% of the total of Kalimantan area is suitable for their habitat. The overlap between N. larvatus distribution, land use, and land cover map reveals that only 9% of the distribution lies in protected areas, while 37% lies in concession areas and 27% lies in agriculture and plantations areas. We discuss the spatial distribution of the model and current situation of the land use policy in Kalimantan to provide scientific guidance for the Indonesian government to make a master plan for conserving endangered species N. larvatus.

Download Full-text

Conservation of carnivorous plants

10.1093/oso/9780198779841.003.0027 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Charles Clarke ◽

Adam Cross ◽

Barry Rice

Keyword(s):

Plant Species ◽

Management Practices ◽

Habitat Degradation ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Fire Regimes ◽

Carnivorous Plant ◽

Habitat Destruction ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Conservation Actions ◽

Species Specific

Approximately 20% of carnivorous plant species are threatened worldwide. Key threats include habitat degradation and loss, altered fire regimes or hydrology, and collection of plants for trade. In most parts of the world, conservation efforts are focused on documenting the threats to species, a necessary precursor to the implementation of conservation strategies and actions. To date, North America is the only region where species-specific conservation actions have been implemented. In southwestern Australia, inappropriate land management practices and urbanization threaten a number of species, whereas in Southeast Asia, Nepenthes pitcher plants are threatened by habitat destruction and collection for trade. Some iconic carnivorous plant species in these two biodiversity hotspots are critically endangered and the need for recovery plans and actions is urgent. There is an equally urgent need for baseline data on the conservation status of carnivorous plant species from other regions, particularly Africa and South America.

Download Full-text